Philly 'like no other' for Iverson

Keith GrollerTHE (Allentown, Pa.) MORNING CALL

Some may doubt whether Allen Iverson still can perform brilliantly on the basketball court, but he proved early Thursday night at the Wachovia Center that he can still deliver a memorable press conference.

In a 30-minute Q-and-A that included tears, laughs, admissions of past mistakes, and promises that he can still play, Iverson officially returned to the 76ers, where for more than 10 seasons he made his mark as one of the NBA's best players and most controversial figures.

Iverson returns to the team nearly three years after being traded to Denver for two first-round picks and two players on Dec. 19, 2006.

He returns seemingly a more humble, thankful person after finding out there was little interest around the league after he was waived by Memphis on Nov. 16.

He retired and said he was happy to be with his wife and kids — "I thought my basketball life was over," he said.

But when he found out he had a chance "to come home, it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. This is a blessing, a great day for me."

He said he is eager to rekindle his relationship with the Philly fans. "I have fans all over the world, … but the relationship I have with the these fans is like no other. I have a love for them and they love me."

Iverson once rescued the franchise from the depths of mediocrity and apathy. Thirteen years later, he's in position to do it again.

The 76ers are 5-14 and have the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference and fourth-worst mark in the league.

They are ranked 29th out of 30 NBA teams in attendance, averaging fewer than 12,000 fans per night through their first eight home dates.

Iverson admitted that he couldn't watch the 76ers play in the three years since he left the team, and it's obvious that the area's basketball fans found them hard to watch as well.

But already, Monday's game against Denver — Iverson's return — is a sellout.

76ers president and general manager Ed Stefanski insisted again it was a basketball decision to bring in Iverson, especially since the team will be without Louis Williams and Marresse Speights, two of the club's top four scorers, for several more weeks.

Stefanski said that if improved attendance was a by-product of the Iverson signing, "that would be great, but to consistently have better attendance, you have to win basketball games."

The former Bethel High and Boo Williams AAU star said he would accept "his assignment" and play any role that coach Eddie Jordan wanted him to play.

Stefanski said Iverson wasn't given any guarantees in terms of starting or minutes, but added, "We didn't bring him here just to add to our depth. We did our homework on him and we believe he can still play and help us win basketball games."

Growing tired to references of his age, Iverson said at one point, "Is 34 that old? It's like you guys expect me to get up from this table and walk away with a cane."

He insisted he can still play at a high level. "Otherwise, I wouldn't come back. I don't want to embarrass myself. I can still play and I'm ready to go out and prove it."

Iverson admitted he had made mistakes "like everybody else in this room" and didn't rule out making more in the future.

He said he was surprised when Stefanski approached him with just a notepad of things he needed to address before he could return to the 76ers.

"With all of the baggage I've had, I thought it would be bigger, like the size of a phone book," Iverson said.

He said he got a bad rap that followed him around the league. "They created a picture of me that's not me. It ended up hurting me, and I was actually happy that (after he announced his retirement), I didn't have to hear it anymore."

He said the last few weeks have not only been hard on him, but also his family.

"I woke up every day frustrated," he said. "But now I am thrilled to be able to come back to the people who made me who I am. I want to retire here." Video To see video of Iverson's press conference, visit dailypress.com/sports .